SMOKE & CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS - 
RESIDENTIAL - 1 & 2 FAMILY ONLY
KEYWORD
QUESTION
ANSWER
Where needed I own rental property. Do I need to have smoke & CO detectors in each dwelling unit? Yes, effective 9-1-97 all rental properties require detectors.
Type of units Can I use a battery-operated smoke detector? Yes, but as of 1-1-2000 all smoke detectors shall be of the ‘tamper-proof’, sealed battery type or 110 V.A.C. hardwired type.
Can I use a battery operated C.O. detector? No, all carbon monoxide detectors shall be of the plug-in or hard-wired types.
Can I use something other than self-contained smoke detector units? Yes, an approved fire detection system may be installed. The Fire Chief of the City of Lakewood shall individually approve each fire detection system.
Number of units How many smoke & CO detectors do I need in each dwelling unit (suite)? A minimum of one (1) smoke detector and one (1) carbon monoxide detector are required per dwelling unit.
Location of units Where do I place the smoke detector? Placement of the smoke detector shall be in the immediate vicinity of the sleeping area(s) per the manufacturer’s specifications.
Where do I place the carbon monoxide detector? Placement of the carbon monoxide detector shall be in the immediate vicinity of the sleeping area(s) per the manufacturer’s specifications.
What is considered the ‘immediate vicinity of the sleeping area’? A sleeping area is defined as the area or areas of the family living unit in which the bedrooms or sleeping rooms are located. Where bedrooms or rooms ordinarily used for sleeping are separated by other use areas, such as kitchens or living rooms, but not bathrooms or closets, they shall be considered as separate sleeping areas. When the bedroom or sleeping area is not fully enclosed or separated from other living areas within a living or sleeping unit, the smoke and carbon monoxide detector shall be installed nearest the area designated for sleeping, as per the manufacturer’s specifications.
Electrical permit I want to install a 110 V.A.C. hard-wired smoke detector. Do I need an electrical permit? Yes
I have an existing electrical outlet in the hallway adjacent to the bedrooms. The outlet is controlled by a light switch. Can I use it for my smoke and/or CO detector? No, a switched receptacle is not permitted to be used for a smoke or carbon monoxide detector.
Responsibility Who shall provide the smoke detector for the dwelling unit? The landlord.
Who shall maintain the smoke detector in the dwelling unit? The landlord.
Who shall provide the carbon monoxide detector for the dwelling unit? The landlord.
Who shall maintain the carbon monoxide detector in the dwelling unit? The landlord.
Frequently Asked Questions
City of Lakewood Divison of Housing & Building